Eighty-two percent of U.S. adults — the equivalent of more than 276 million people — visited a local park or recreation facility at least once within the past year. Nearly every U.S. adult (96 percent) has been to a local park or recreation facility in their lifetime. Local parks and recreation are an essential part of individuals and families alike — offering physical and mental wellness opportunities, spaces for spending time with family, friends or people within the community, and so much more. It is no wonder so many have made a visit to their local park or recreation facility a part of their lives in the United States.

Key Findings

• More than 276 million people in the United States visited a local park or recreation facility last year.
• Ninety-six percent of Gen Xers and 94 percent of millennials visited a local park or recreation facility last year.
• Of those surveyed, parents (94 percent) are more likely than nonparents (77 percent) to have visited a local park or recreation facility last year.  
• People living within walking distance of a park or recreation facility (86 percent) are much more likely to have visited one of these areas within that past year compared to those not living within walking distance (68 percent).